President Emmerson Mnangagwa has declared the late Cde Ezekiel Tobius Musiiwa Chaunoita a National Hero following his passing on Saturday, May 4, 2024, after a prolonged illness. Cde Chaunoita, a retired Director of Security in the President’s Department, will be interred at the National Heroes’ Acre, with the date of the ceremony yet to be announced.
Cde Chaunoita’s life was marked by his active participation in Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle. Joining the armed struggle in Mozambique under ZANLA in September 1975, he underwent rigorous military training, specializing in Military Engineering. Known for his bravery, Cde Chaunoita survived the Nyadzonia massacre in August 1976, a tragic event that claimed the lives of numerous comrades. He also miraculously survived a fatal accident in December 1979, which tragically claimed the life of War Luminary and National Hero, General Josiah Magama Tongogara.
Born on June 1, 1958, in Gutu District, Masvingo Province, Cde Chaunoita attended primary and secondary school before joining the liberation struggle. His decision to join the struggle was motivated by the oppressive colonial realities of the time.
Cde Chaunoita’s passing comes amidst a series of recent losses of eminent War Luminaries in Zimbabwe. The country recently mourned a triple National Heroes burial, honoring Cde Nash Dzimiri, Brigadier General Shadreck Vezha, and National Heroine, Cde Tsitsi Jadagu, at the National Heroes Acre.
The conferment of National Hero status on Cde Chaunoita recognizes his significant contributions to Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence and his unwavering dedication to the nation.
